Train Your Brain: How to Reverse Extra Challenging Ballet Combinations

Reversing combinations is more than just a memory test; it is a fundamental skill that demonstrates a dancer’s mastery over their own movement and spatial orientation. In this Broche Ballet session, we dive deep into one of the most common hurdles in the studio: taking a complex sequence and performing it in the opposite direction. This exercise is specifically designed to bridge the gap between physical execution and cognitive understanding, ensuring you aren't just mimicking movement but truly understanding the mechanics of dance.

We focus specifically on a challenging tendu and turn combination that will push your cognitive limits. One of the highlights of this lesson is breaking down the en dehors pirouette. When an instructor asks you to reverse a turn, it is not always a simple mirror image.

We explore two effective ways to handle this: executing a single turn with the foot landing in the back, or utilizing a soutenu turn to achieve the desired orientation. Throughout the video, you will practice reversing various foundational movements, including temps lié, rond de jambe, and fondu. You will learn that the secret to a successful reversal lies in understanding the "why" behind the original sequence.

By breaking the combination down into its individual components—the direction of the rond de jambe, the placement of the pas de bourrée, and the closing of the sous-sous—you can reconstruct the movement in reverse without losing your rhythm or placement. This "Train Your Brain" exercise is designed to help you become a more versatile and intelligent dancer. By the end of this tutorial, you will have the mental tools to tackle any reversal your teacher throws at you during a live class.

Join Broche Ballet as we refine your technique and sharpen your mind, making complex choreography feel like second nature.